Street Harassment moving into 5 star hotels

This incident happened to me at the Taj Land's End coffee shop in Mumbai, India. I was meeting the Founder of Save Life Foundation in the evening at around 5 pm and we were in the midst of a serious discussion when a man came up to us and first wished my colleague. Then he turned to me and said something to the effect - This guy is f**king you real good.

Before I could react, he had disappeared. We called the waiter and asked how such a thing could happen at a 5 star hotel which is assumed to be a "safe" space. They claimed he was drunk and was hanging around for a while.

I was subsequently in conversation with the hotel in question to find out more about their procedures and preemptive measures when patrons are drunk as well as finding out the identity of the guy. He had easy access to cutlery which could have been used to harm me physically. They finally tracked down the man in question and he has apologised in writing. I have accepted the apology. They also mentioned that they do not have the cctv footage of the interaction at the table between the man and us.

This entire episode was a learning experience for me. First of all, understanding my initial reaction or lack of it at the occurrence of the event. Secondly because I was out of town immediately post the incident I checked with several lawyer friends on my legal options. The advice was varied from inability to file an FIR (First Information report) post 48 hrs after the incident to one can file it anytime within 3 months to if I was in the state of Maharashtra I could file it at any police station but since I was in Delhi it would not be accepted. Also it does not technically constitute sexual harassment but can be filed under the relevant sections for Eve teasing and affront to the modesty of a woman.

I was advised by two lawyers that the character of my biz colleague could be questioned as I was being "warned" by this stranger albeit the language being inappropriate. And the said statement could be a "manner of speech". My head was spinning after all these various conversations. But I will investigate further on what the right legal recourse is cos I realised till we are faced with a situation, we are not clear on what is the next course of action.

For now, am glad that the Taj was prompt in tracking the guy down, ensuring he was briefed on his behaviour and getting him to apologise.

But I would encourage everyone to stay alert at all times because you never know when street harassment can move indoors to a safe place.